Dhaka begins mutiny trial of border guards

Nine troopers of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were on Wednesday produced before a special court for their role in a bloody mutiny in February that left 74 people dead.

The nine are among those who took the cue from thousands of their colleagues who rebelled at the BDR headquarters here, drew weapons without permission and misbehaved with senior officers, the court was told.

The 74 killed included 67 Bangladesh Army officers on deputation to BDR, the country's border force. Also killed was BDR director general Major General Shakil Ahmed.

The mutineers accused the army officers of lording over them and drawing better pay and more perks.

The trial resumed on the second day at a makeshift courtroom at Rangamati in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Star Online reported.

The BDR chief, Major General Mohamed Mainul Islam, is presiding over the trial, which will by rotation move to six courts set up across the country to try over 3,500 troopers.

This is Bangladesh's first trial of its border guards that is being revamped in the wake of the mutiny and also given a new name, logo as well as uniform.

Four BDR battalions have been dissolved to enforce discipline.